Take this review with a generous pinch of masala — I’ve been a huge fan of Chef Vikas Khanna since his MasterChef India days (yes, the crush was real), so dining at his NYC restaurant, Bungalow, was kind of a dream come true.
✨ The Vikas Sighting
I didn’t expect him to actually be there, let alone serve us food with the warmest smile like we were guests in his home. I’m not even sure I was breathing properly — but I somehow managed to stay cool (I think??). He was gracious, humble, and made the experience so personal. Truly unforgettable. [HE SAID I LOOK BEAUTIFUL AND THAT THE LIGHT WAS FALLING PERFECTLY]
📲 Getting a Reservation
Getting a table at Bungalow takes some strategy. Pro tip: reservations drop at 11 AM, 20 days in advance. You’ll need decent Wi-Fi and some determination — but it’s totally doable and 100% worth it.
🌆 The Vibe
The space is gorgeous. Think luxe without being stuffy. Yes, it was a bit loud at times — but that mostly depends on the crowd. For us, it felt lively and full of joy. The music was an absolute vibe — if you’re a ’90s kid, you’ll be bopping along between bites. Service was quick, friendly, and refreshingly Indian in its warmth and attentiveness.
🍤 Starters That Slap
We began with the Shrimp Balchao Cones and Ammi’s Lamb Chops.
- They started us off with a little complementary something that tasted like an elevated version of sukha puri (sorry, I forgot the name of the dish)
- The shrimp cones were playful, punchy, and wrapped in a crisp pastry shell — a savory twist on something that felt nostalgic yet new.
- But the lamb chops? Chef’s kiss. Tender, juicy, and bathed in a sauce that I quite literally licked clean. No shame.
🍛 Mains That Mean Business
For our entrées, we ordered the Chicken Salli (apparently pronounced sAAli) and the Biryani, with a side of the Five-Cheese Kulcha.
- The salli and kulcha? Absolutely nailed it. Rich, flavorful, and comforting.
- The biryani, though, fell a bit short for me. I’m the daughter of a Hyderabadi caterer — biryani is sacred in our house — so my bar is impossibly high. It wasn’t bad by any means, just didn’t hit that deep as I was hoping for.
Still, the food overall was coma-inducing — in the best way. We boxed up leftovers to save space for dessert (pro move).
🍨 Dessert with a Side of Celebration
We ended with the Rose Kulfi Falooda, a rich rabdi-based dessert that looked almost too pretty to eat — until Chef Khanna himself stepped in to help us cut into it. Iconic.
We were celebrating my friend’s PhD defense, and to top it off, they surprised us with a complimentary Tiramisu (which just so happened to be their favorite dessert). A+ for thoughtful touches.
🧂 The Final Bite
The bill came with a jar of complimentary Amla powder. A 20% gratuity was already included in the bill, but that’s what we typically tip anyway, so no complaints there.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
⭐ My Standard Ratings (out of 5):
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Menu Variety | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5) |
| Presentation | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5) |
| Taste (Food & Drinks) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5) |
| Portion Size/Cost | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5) |
| Ambiance | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5) |
| Staff & Service | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5) |
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Despite its star-studded aura, Bungalow isn’t intimidating — it’s soulful, warm, and bursting with heart. And honestly? It wasn’t wildly expensive either, especially considering the quality, ambiance, and personal touches.
If you love Indian food that’s bold, beautiful, and cooked with soul — and if you’re even half as starstruck as me — Bungalow is a must.
Anushka's Bookish Shenanigans 